A little preparation can make all the difference in creating a smooth, stress-free experience for your family.
Planning too much on photo day
I know life doesn’t stop just because you have a photo session,
but trying to squeeze in errands,
events, or extra activities beforehand?
That’s a recipe for meltdowns.
Children who have had a busy,
overstimulating day before their session are
tired—mentally and physically.
And let’s be honest...
Tired kids are not happy kids.
To help keep the experience stress-free,
try to make photo day as
calm and low-key as possible.
Skipping meals + naps
Depending on the time of year,
your session might fall right around
nap time or dinner time.
If your session overlaps with a usual nap,
try adjusting naps slightly in the
days leading up to it so your little one is rested.
Make sure everyone has a full belly before the session
to avoid mid-shoot hunger struggles.
Bringing a few non-messy snacks
—like crackers, puffs, or cheerios
—can also help keep little ones content.
And don’t forget water!
Skip juice or anything that could stain clothes.
Not dressing for comfort + weather
Uncomfortable clothes = unhappy kids.
Their outfits should look great and feel great.
Anything too tight, itchy, or awkward-fitting
can lead to frustration—fast.
Consider the weather when choosing outfits.
A freezing child or one who’s too warm
won’t be in the mood for photos.
It’s always a good idea to bring a backup outfit
just in case—because, well… kids.
Feeling rushed
Nothing sets the tone for stress like running late.
And when parents feel stressed, kids feel it too.
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early
so you have time to settle in
and adjust to the location.
This extra time makes all the difference in keeping everyone
calm and ready instead of scrambling at the last minute.
Expecting perfection
This is often the hardest mistake to avoid.
You’ve invested your time, energy, and effort
into this session, and of course, you want everything
to go just right.
I completely understand.
But here’s the thing…Perfect isn’t real life.
And that’s okay.
The best moments happen when you let go of perfection
—the laughter, the snuggles, the real emotions.
The more you relax and enjoy the experience,
the more it will shine through in your photos.
So take a deep breath, embrace the moment,
and let’s capture something truly beautiful.